LA VIE EN ROSE is a group of musicians with wide-ranging backgrounds in classical, traditional jazz, rock, Western swing, blues and roots but brought together by a shared love of gypsy jazz. The band features David Jones (gtr), Laurie Light (gtr), Rebecca Willson (vln), Nick White (clt) and Mitch Humphrys (d/b).
The fiery swing, romantic waltzes, Latin beats and lilting melodies of Django Reinhardt, Stephane Grappelli and The Quintette du Hot Club de France are still as engaging now, as when they first burst onto the stage in the 1930’s and ‘40’s. A duet of guitars, a hot fiddle, soulful clarinet and slaptastic upright bass come together to play music inspired by those 'hot jazz' musicians…but of course with a few surprises of our own thrown in!
David Jones has been playing gypsy jazz from a young age, has performed alongside the likes of Lollo Meier and Bertrand Le Guillou and is an endorsee of JWC Guitars. Nick White is currently playing 1st saxophone with the Chris Barber Big Band but is an equally accomplished clarinet player. Rebecca Willson holds several music degrees in both violin and piano, has studied with Tim Kliphuis, and regularly performs solo and ensemble work from Django to Dvorak. The rhythm section of Laurie Light and Mitch Humphrys have played roots, blues, ragtime, jazz and swing in bands and solo for too many years to count.
Formed as a band at the end of 2014, they have since played a wide variety of venues and events throughout the South West including Exeter's Vibraphonic Fesital, Acoustica Festival, Nourish Festival, Velo Vintage, The Picturehouse 'Sofa Sessions' and film previews, The Clifford Arms Jazz Club, Fanzone for the Rugby World Cup, as well as at extensive private functions. They have performed regularly for the Cosy Club in Exeter, Taunton and Bristol. Recent highlights have included a residency for Tipi Christmas Parties, New Year's Eve in Bristol Cosy Club, Earworms Family Concert at Exeter Phoenix, The Barnfield Theatre and Valentines Day at the Verdi Italian Kitchen at The Royal Albert Hall!
They also host the regular 'monthly manouche' sessions at The Globe in Exeter which is the only event in the region to encourage players of all abilities and backgrounds to become involved in gypsy jazz.
The fiery swing, romantic waltzes, Latin beats and lilting melodies of Django Reinhardt, Stephane Grappelli and The Quintette du Hot Club de France are still as engaging now, as when they first burst onto the stage in the 1930’s and ‘40’s. A duet of guitars, a hot fiddle, soulful clarinet and slaptastic upright bass come together to play music inspired by those 'hot jazz' musicians…but of course with a few surprises of our own thrown in!
David Jones has been playing gypsy jazz from a young age, has performed alongside the likes of Lollo Meier and Bertrand Le Guillou and is an endorsee of JWC Guitars. Nick White is currently playing 1st saxophone with the Chris Barber Big Band but is an equally accomplished clarinet player. Rebecca Willson holds several music degrees in both violin and piano, has studied with Tim Kliphuis, and regularly performs solo and ensemble work from Django to Dvorak. The rhythm section of Laurie Light and Mitch Humphrys have played roots, blues, ragtime, jazz and swing in bands and solo for too many years to count.
Formed as a band at the end of 2014, they have since played a wide variety of venues and events throughout the South West including Exeter's Vibraphonic Fesital, Acoustica Festival, Nourish Festival, Velo Vintage, The Picturehouse 'Sofa Sessions' and film previews, The Clifford Arms Jazz Club, Fanzone for the Rugby World Cup, as well as at extensive private functions. They have performed regularly for the Cosy Club in Exeter, Taunton and Bristol. Recent highlights have included a residency for Tipi Christmas Parties, New Year's Eve in Bristol Cosy Club, Earworms Family Concert at Exeter Phoenix, The Barnfield Theatre and Valentines Day at the Verdi Italian Kitchen at The Royal Albert Hall!
They also host the regular 'monthly manouche' sessions at The Globe in Exeter which is the only event in the region to encourage players of all abilities and backgrounds to become involved in gypsy jazz.
"Even before we arrived at our destination, the lively music of La Vie en Rose fell upon our ears as we pedalled our penny farthings closer to The Globe Inn, and what a treat they gave us. Huzzah! to La Vie en Rose!" Alistair Cope of Velo Vintage, Devon.
'La Vie En Rose is made from a group of fantastically talented musicians, their hot swingin' sound is something to be admired. I have seen La Vie en Rose a fair few times and every time I have been given a memorable and inspirational show, they have truly captured the excitement of gypsy jazz. When listening to them you can close your eyes, tap your foot and believe you are in 1930's Paris"
Lola Gaskin-Briggs, Hot House Four, Western Swing Band.
'Talented musicians playing enjoyable gypsy swing that is great to dance to or just sit and tap your feet to!'
Jane Narramore, South West Lindyhoppers
My band was booked to play at Okehampton Acoustic Music Club. One of the other acts there were a four piece "La Vie en Rose". They finished the evening off. I am not an easy man to please and very critical, to my shame, of other musicians, however La Vie en Rose were brilliant. Its difficult to find music that would work for a social occasion, function, wedding and also a concert setting - they have all bases covered with their laid back, unobtrusive and even dancy fusion of fiery swing, romantic waltzes and Latin beatsBook them - highly Recommended
Dave McCrory (FOS Brothers/agent/promoter/producer)
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[email protected]
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